Indulge in the warmth and comfort of the holiday season with this Holiday Cinnamon Fruit Bread—a timeless recipe that combines the aromatic spices of cinnamon, the sweetness of dried fruits, and the richness of buttery bread dough. This festive loaf, bursting with flavor and texture, is the perfect centerpiece for your seasonal celebrations, whether served at a cozy breakfast, a celebratory brunch, or as an indulgent dessert.
The heart of this recipe lies in the perfectly spiced dough, delicately flavored with cinnamon and just a touch of nutmeg for an added depth. The buttery softness of the bread creates an ideal base for the generous mix of dried fruits—think juicy raisins, tangy dried cranberries, and sweet apricots. These fruits not only infuse every bite with a delightful natural sweetness but also add a chewy texture that contrasts beautifully with the pillowy bread.
To elevate the flavor, the dough is lightly sweetened with a hint of honey, adding a mellow richness that complements the spiced profile. The result is a bread that is comforting, yet sophisticated—a true celebration of traditional holiday flavors.
As it bakes, this bread fills your home with an irresistible aroma, creating a sensory experience that embodies the spirit of the holidays. The golden-brown crust, brushed with a light glaze of honey or apricot jam, gives the loaf an elegant finish that will impress guests at your holiday table.
Whether enjoyed warm, with a smear of butter, or toasted with a dollop of your favorite fruit preserves, this bread offers versatility and delight in every bite. It pairs wonderfully with a steaming cup of tea or coffee, making it the ultimate treat for cold winter mornings. For those looking to make it extra special, consider adding a drizzle of icing or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a more decadent touch.
This Holiday Cinnamon Fruit Bread isn’t just a recipe—it’s a tradition waiting to be cherished. It invites you to slow down, savor the moments, and share the joy of baking with loved ones. Each slice carries the essence of festive gatherings and the warmth of togetherness, making it a staple you’ll want to recreate every year.
Crafted to cater to both novice bakers and seasoned pros, this recipe includes easy-to-follow steps that ensure success without compromising on flavor or presentation. From kneading the dough to the final rise, every step is an opportunity to immerse yourself in the joy of baking—a skillful blend of art and science that results in something truly magical.
In addition to its irresistible flavor, this bread is a nutritional powerhouse packed with the natural goodness of dried fruits and a touch of whole grains. The fruits provide a boost of fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, while the light glaze adds just the right amount of indulgence without being overpowering.
Bring the magic of the holidays to your kitchen with this Holiday Cinnamon Fruit Bread recipe. Its flavors and textures will transport you to a cozy winter wonderland, making it the perfect accompaniment to all your seasonal celebrations. Let this bread be your new holiday tradition—a recipe that not only tastes divine but also spreads warmth, joy, and the essence of the season with every loaf baked and shared.
- Activate the yeast:
In a bowl, combine warm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy. - Prepare the dough:
In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Gradually add the yeast mixture and melted butter. Knead by hand or with a stand mixer (approx. 8 minutes) until smooth and elastic. - First rise:
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise for 1 hour, or until doubled in size. - Prepare the filling:
In a small bowl, mix the dried fruits, honey, and orange zest. Set aside. - Shape the dough:
Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle (30x20 cm / 12x8 inches). Spread the fruit mixture evenly over the dough. - Roll and form:
Roll the dough tightly into a log. Place it seam-side down in a greased loaf tin (23x13 cm / 9x5 inches). - Second rise:
Cover and let rise for another 30 minutes until puffy. - Bake:
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped. - Glaze (optional):
Brush the warm loaf with apricot jam or honey for a glossy finish. Let cool completely before slicing.
Crafting the perfect Holiday Cinnamon Fruit Bread is not just about following the recipe; it’s also about making adjustments that cater to your taste, dietary needs, or even the availability of ingredients. Below, you’ll find detailed and professional insights into how modifications can enhance or change the final outcome, ensuring you create a bread that’s uniquely yours.
Adjusting Flour Types
The choice of flour plays a significant role in determining the texture and flavor of the bread.
- All-Purpose Flour (Standard): This is the default option, providing a soft yet structured bread. It balances elasticity and tenderness perfectly.
- Bread Flour: If you prefer a chewier bread with a more structured crumb, substitute 25–50% of the all-purpose flour with bread flour. The higher protein content enhances gluten development, yielding a more elastic dough.
- Whole Wheat Flour: For a nuttier flavor and higher fiber content, substitute up to 50% of the flour with whole wheat flour. Be aware that this will make the bread denser and less sweet. To balance, consider adding 1–2 extra tablespoons of honey or sugar.
- Gluten-Free Flour Blends: A suitable gluten-free flour blend can be used for those with gluten sensitivities. Add 1 tsp xanthan gum for better binding. This adjustment will result in a slightly denser loaf, but the dried fruits help keep it moist.
Tweaking Sweeteners
Sweetness in this bread is subtle but essential. Altering sweeteners can introduce new layers of flavor.
- Honey: The recipe calls for honey in the filling. Using a darker honey, such as buckwheat or chestnut honey, will add a rich, almost molasses-like undertone.
- Maple Syrup: A great alternative to honey, maple syrup imparts a warm, caramel-like flavor that complements the spices beautifully.
- Brown Sugar: Replacing some or all of the granulated sugar with brown sugar will add a deeper, more molasses-like sweetness, enhancing the bread's festive character.
- Coconut Sugar: For a less processed option, coconut sugar offers a mild caramel flavor while keeping the glycemic index lower.
Experimenting with Spices
Spices are the soul of holiday bread, and tweaking them can drastically alter the aroma and flavor profile.
- Cinnamon: The star of the recipe, cinnamon can be intensified by increasing the quantity to 1½ tsp for a bolder flavor.
- Cardamom: Add a pinch of cardamom for a subtle floral and citrusy note that pairs well with dried fruits.
- Clove or Allspice: These spices can enhance the festive feel but should be used sparingly (¼ tsp each), as they are potent.
- Ginger: Adding ½ tsp ground ginger will introduce a mild zing that works well with the sweetness of the fruit.
Customizing Dried Fruits
The mix of dried fruits adds texture and bursts of sweetness. Adjusting the selection can create entirely new flavor combinations.
- Traditional Mix (Raisins, Cranberries, Apricots): Provides a balance of tanginess and sweetness.
- Dates and Figs: For a deeper, more robust sweetness, substitute some of the fruits with chopped dates or figs.
- Candied Citrus Peel: Adding candied orange or lemon peel will amplify the citrus notes and make the bread even more festive.
- Tropical Fruits: Dried mango or pineapple can introduce a unique, tropical twist, complementing the spices in an unexpected way.
Fat Choices and Their Impact
Fat affects the bread's softness and richness. Experimenting with different types of fat can subtly alter its texture.
- Butter (Default): Unsalted butter contributes to the rich, buttery flavor. Use cultured butter for a tangy depth.
- Olive Oil: Substituting butter with mild olive oil creates a softer crumb and adds a light fruity note.
- Coconut Oil: This is a great dairy-free option. It imparts a faint coconut aroma, complementing tropical fruits.
- Vegan Margarine: Ensures the bread remains plant-based while maintaining the same buttery texture.
Adding Nuts or Seeds
For added crunch and nutrition, consider including nuts or seeds.
- Almonds, Walnuts, or Pecans: Chop and incorporate 50 g (½ cup) of nuts into the filling for a rich, nutty texture.
- Sunflower or Pumpkin Seeds: A great option for those with nut allergies. Lightly toast them for enhanced flavor.
Flavor Boosters
Enhancing the bread’s complexity is as simple as adding a few extra ingredients.
- Vanilla Extract: Add 1 tsp to the dough for a warm and subtle sweetness.
- Orange or Lemon Zest: Increase the zest to 2 tsp for a brighter, citrusy profile.
- Dark Rum or Brandy: Soak the dried fruits in 2–3 tbsp of rum or brandy for a boozy, festive twist.
Techniques to Improve Texture
The bread’s texture can be manipulated to suit personal preferences.
- Soft Crust: For a softer crust, brush the loaf with melted butter as soon as it comes out of the oven.
- Crispy Crust: Leave the loaf uncovered after baking to allow the crust to crisp up.
- Extra Moistness: Add 2 tbsp of plain yogurt to the dough for a tender, moist crumb.
Dietary Adjustments
- Lower Sugar: Reduce sugar by 25% for a less sweet loaf without compromising texture.
- Higher Fiber: Replace 10% of the flour with oat flour or add 1 tbsp flaxseed meal for added fiber.
- Dairy-Free: Swap milk for almond, soy, or oat milk to make it dairy-free.
Presentation Tweaks
- Braided Loaf: Instead of baking in a tin, braid the dough for an elegant look.
- Festive Topping: Sprinkle pearl sugar or slivered almonds on top before baking for a decorative finish.
- Individual Rolls: Divide the dough into smaller portions and bake as individual rolls for easy serving.
By experimenting with these adjustments, you can create a Holiday Cinnamon Fruit Bread that’s tailored to your tastes, dietary needs, and occasion. Every tweak offers a chance to explore new flavors and textures, making this recipe endlessly versatile and uniquely yours.
- Allergens: Gluten (flour), Dairy (butter, milk).
- Substitutions:
- For gluten-free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and add 1 tsp xanthan gum.
- For dairy-free: Replace milk with almond or oat milk, and butter with plant-based margarine.
- Vitamin C (orange zest): 1 mg – Supports immune function and skin health.
- Calcium (milk): 80 mg – Vital for strong bones and teeth.
- Iron (dried fruits): 1.5 mg – Essential for oxygen transport in the blood.
- Polyphenols (dried fruits): 50 mg – Help combat oxidative stress.
- Carotenoids (orange zest): 10 mcg – Support eye health and immune function.
- Vitamin E (butter): 0.5 mg – Protects cells from damage.
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